Check Your Contact As Season Comes To End

Impact Tape Drill

This drill helps you track and assess your impact patterns when putting. Consistently striking the center of the clubface is essential for achieving a smooth roll. Off-center hits can create sidespin, leading to shorter putts—a challenge on fast or slick greens.

How to Perform the Drill

All you need is a few minutes and either painter's tape or, ideally, putter impact tape. Hit 10 putts from various distances without checking the tape after each stroke (avoiding self-correction between putts). The goal is to get an honest read on your natural stroke and see where you’re striking the ball on the clubface.

After completing 10 putts, examine the tape to review your impact pattern. Striking the center of the face with every putt? Great! If not, here’s what different miss-hits might indicate:

• Low on the Face: This can suggest you're rising during your stroke or catching the ball on the upswing. To address this, focus on a flatter follow-through.
• High on the Face: This generally isn’t a major issue and may not require correction.
• Left or Right of Center: This often indicates you're pushing or pulling putts. Focus on a straight back-and-through motion to keep the ball on your intended line.

You can vary this drill by practicing 10 long putts, 10 short putts, or experimenting to improve with each session.

When you're done, save the tape as a visual reminder. Revisit this drill at the start of each season to check if your stroke remains consistent.